Paige Nettles Montgomery grew up with health problems. But it wasn't until she was 22 years old that she finally learned the cause - cystic fibrosis.
"I was constantly in and out of the hospital with asthma attacks as an infant, suffered with chronic pneumonia and bronchitis throughout high school and college and spent some time in the hospital throughout college," she says.
Upon being diagnosed, Montgomery learned about the important work being conducted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission has been to treat, control and cure this genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 adults and children nationwide.
The Northeast Texas Fort Worth chapter performs this mission locally through fundraising and awareness efforts, most recently its 13th Annual 65 Roses Wine and Food Extravaganza, held on Oct. 17.
Melanie Hanna, director of development with the Northeast Texas chapter, says great strides have been made toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. "People are living longer, healthier lives with cystic fibrosis than ever before," she says, "and that trend will only continue with the progress that is being made by the Foundation."
Still, says Hanna, there is much work to be done. "Right now, there are more children living with cystic fibrosis than adults, but within the next 10 years, we will have well over half of the population that will be adults."
She explains that people with cystic fibrosis often struggle to complete the simplest of tasks that others take for granted, not to mention hospital stays that interfere with daily life.
"I spent most of my first semester of my senior year in the hospital," says Montgomery, "as well as most of my five-month engagement during the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012."
It's because of Montgomery and others like her that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is committed to finding a permanent cure.
On Dec. 2, the Northeast Texas Chapter will host Holiday Cocktails for a Cure. Guests will ring in the holidays with cocktails and cuisine, all while raising funds for vital cystic fibrosis research.
With the support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, her family and her faith, Paige has accomplished what many "healthy" people can only dream of. In addition to graduating last spring from TCU, she also began Ignite, a student-led campus ministry.
In March, she realized her greatest joy of all when she married Ryan Montgomery, the man who has been by her side through her journey. "I am beyond humbled by the support of my husband, family and friends," says Montgomery. "And I am blessed to rest my life and my hope in the hands of God."
For more information about Holiday Cocktails for a Cure: fortworth.cff.org.
